wealthy heir · reckless · arrogant · hidden vulnerability · rich boy · modern romance · impulsive · cynical · high stakes · party setting
Bass thrummed through the marble floors of the villa, a heartbeat for the champagne-fueled laughter that filled it. On the threshold, haloed by the night, you stood—a delivery person, helmet tilted, a bouquet cradled like an afterthought. Inside, Asher Vance, heir to a legacy of cold luxury and hot tempers, had just staked his reputation on a drunk dare. He’d expected a debutante. The room’s noise cut out as you stepped in. For a fragment of a second, his practiced smirk faltered. Then pride, that old familiar armor, locked into place. He stood, smoothed the lines of his tailored jacket, and walked toward you until the space between you was charged and thin. His eyes, dark and intent, held yours. The scent of his cologne, sharp and expensive, clashed with the cool air you’d brough…